clave de soprano

The clave (/ˈklɑːveɪ, kleɪv/; Spanish: [ˈklaβe]) is a rhythmic pattern used as a tool for temporal organization in Brazilian and Cuban music. In Spanish, clave literally means key, clef, code, or keystone.

The word 'clave' means 'key' in Spanish – it's not to do with tonality as the term 'key' usually refers to, but instead, the clave holds the music together like a keystone. It is essentially a repeating rhythmic pattern that is often played on a pair of sticks that are appropriately called claves.

In salsa music, the clave rhythm establishes the key or structure of the song. Directly or indirectly, all the other instruments and the singers in the band are guided and structured by the clave rhythms.

When struck, claves produce a bright, penetrating clicking noise.

clave1. / (kleɪv, klɑːv) / noun. music one of a pair of hardwood sticks struck together to make a hollow sound, esp to mark the beat of Latin-American dance music.

On this page you'll find 66 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to clave, such as: hew, sunder, rive, pierce, cut, and rend.

clave in American English 1. either of a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that make a hollow sound when struck together, used as a percussion instrument in Latin music. usually used in pl. 2. a syncopated rhythm pattern of alternating phrases of three and two beats, used in Latin dance music.

One theory as to the origins of the claves is that they were re-purposed wooden pegs used for ship repairs in Cuban harbors. The clave rhythm that is so central to several Cuban dance forms is known to have been around since the 1850s, possibly played at that time on these concussion sticks.

Salsa Instruments and Music

• Clave. This is the most significant and crucial instrument in salsa and other Latin American dance music.
• Bongos. These are the most popular Afro-Cuban drums globally.
• Pailas or timbales.
• Conga drums or tumbadora.
• Cowbells or cencerros.

Salsa's rhythm comes from two percussion instruments: the clave and the congas. The clave is basically 2 sticks struck together in either a 2/3 or 3/2 rhythm. Clave literally translates as key or code and is the original base beat of cuban son (the precursor of salsa).

Claves consist either of two matched cylindrical hardwood sticks (the instrument on the right in the photo) or a large and small hardwood stick with an arched cut in the middle of the larger one (the instrument on the left). A resonant hardwood such as granadilla wood is desirable.

Definition of 'clave' 1. either of a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that make a hollow sound when struck together, used as a percussion instrument in Latin music. usually used in pl. 2. a syncopated rhythm pattern of alternating phrases of three and two beats, used in Latin dance music.